Manchester United v Manchester City – Match Preview and Betting Tip
The Manchester derby at Old Trafford gave indication of a seismic shift in power towards the blue side of the City last season, when City bashed six goals past an ailing United team. And as the Premier League title was secured by the narrowest of margins, City can consider that particular afternoon as being absolutely central to their ultimate success.
No such boast will be able to be made about the forthcoming derby between City and United. The Premier League title may not yet be in United’s cabinet, but the Football Association would certainly be well advised to dig out the red and white ribbons. The result of this match will have no impact on United’s inevitable collection of their 20th Premier League crown, although it could delay it by a couple of weeks should City win.
Nonetheless, this will be a passionate affair, with United attempting to rub City’s noses in their demoted status, while City will hope to give indication that next season will be see them launch a more sustained title challenge. Both teams will definitely be at full strength as neither manager will want to suffer the ignominy of defeat.
Sergio Aguero may return to the Manchester City starting line-up having recovered from injury. City also have the option, though, of strengthening their midfield by recalling Javi Garcia and playing Yaya Toure in a more forward role. The backbone of United’s team is easy to predict, but Sir Alex Ferguson faces a few selection dilemmas. Should Wayne Rooney be fit, he would be expected to start, but Welbeck, Nani, Young and Kagawa are competing for wide berths. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand should start at centre-back, but Jonny Evans will also be considered.
Last Six Meetings
Premier League – 9th March 2025 – Man City 2 – 3 Man Utd
Premier League – 30th Apr 2025 – Man City 1 – 0 Man Utd
FA Cup – 8th January 2025 – Man City 2 – 3 Man Utd
Premier League – 23rd Oct 2025 – Man Utd 1 – 6 Man City
Community Shield – 7th Aug 2025 – Man City 2 – 3 Man Utd
FA Cup – 16th Apr 2025 – Man City 1 – 0 Man Utd
Manchester United (possible 4-2-3-1)
de Gea
Rafael • Vidic • Ferdinand • Evra
Carrick • Cleverley
Nani • Rooney • Kagawa
van Persie
Manchester City (possible 4-2-3-1)
Hart
Zabaleta • Kompany • Nastasic • Clichy
Barry • Y. Toure
Nasri • Aguero • Silva
Tevez
Betting Prediction
The majority of recent fixtures between these teams have been extremely open, with both teams going for the jugular from the kick-off. I feel this one could buck the trend and be a little caiger, especially as neither side has the same motivation that is usually invested in fixtures between these teams. So I’m tipping the two teams to share the points in a 1-1 draw. I would tip the both teams to score and under 2.5 goals bets as well, and Carlos Tevez looks backable as a first or anytime goalscorer.
Final Scoreline Prediction:Manchester United 1 – 1 Manchester City
Other Recommended Bets: Under 2.5 Goals, Both Teams to Score and Tevez to be First Goalscorer.
